The Basics: Born April 20, 1586, in Peru; died August 24, 1617, in Peru; canonized April 12, 1671, by Pope Clement X; feast day, August 23. Mystic.
The Story: Rose, the first person born in the Western Hemisphere to be canonized, let nothing get between her and the Lord. When she was young and people 
commented on her beauty, she chose to put peppers on her face and lye on her hands, and cut off her hair. Rose spent much of her time in a small shack on her family’s property and offered up penances we would today consider verging on extreme, including lengthy fasts and the wearing of a spiked crown and iron chain. She frequently experienced the Lord’s presence… and felt the need to continue with her sacrifices.
That said, Rose also was cognizant of earthly ministries, creating beautiful lace and embroideries to help her family and the poor. It is said that all of Lima’s civic leaders and much of the rest of the city came out for the funeral of this Dominican tertiary, who was only thirty-one when she died.
Rose’s Wisdom: “Lord, increase my sufferings, and with them increase they love in my heart.”
What We Can Learn from Rose: Sometimes, we pull away from God in times of sorrow and pain, even becoming angry with him about our situation. Rose’s example reminds us to always trust in the Lord, no matter what challenges we face and to use the hard times as opportunities to draw closer to him.
To Learn More About Rose: Visit the Archbishopric of Lima’s site for this saint.
To Learn More About Other Women Saints and Blesseds: Come back next week, or consider buying my books, Blessed Are You: Finding Inspiration from Our Sisters in Faith or Sisterhood of Saints: Daily Guidance and Inspiration.
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